Ezekiel 20:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Alternatively, if I bring judgment upon them, it implies that they have cloaked themselves in such iniquity that they are unworthy even of correction and guidance, as the prophet states: "I will not punish your daughters when they act as whores, nor your brides when they commit adultery" (Hosea 4:14). Therefore, even sinners, when they delve into the depths of depravity, are allowed to follow the inclinations of their hearts. Furthermore, consult verse 5.

This was reminiscent of Zedekiah, who asked Jeremiah to reveal what pleased God, yet when the command was made known, he acted in opposition to it; a similar attitude was evident among those who left for Egypt after the captivity. Thus, the Almighty does not wish to respond to them, for as the holy Gospel teaches, He understands the hearts of men (1 Cor. 2:11). Consequently, the Prophet is instructed to disregard them and refrain from praying on their behalf, as indicated in the call to pursue vengeance against them without nurturing their inquiries. However, the sins of their ancestors are to be recounted to them as the Lord commands, stating: From this day, the house of Israel was chosen and brought forth from the lineage of Jacob, recognized in the land of Egypt, and I took their hand, declaring: “I am the Lord your God” (Ezekiel 20:5). On that day, I raised My hand to deliver them from Egypt to a land I had prepared for them, a land flowing with milk and honey, surpassing all others. To those who have come to you, O Prophet, remind them of My blessings, recount their ancestors' transgressions, and share how I manifested to their forefathers in Egypt before they worshiped Egyptian idols, teaching them that I am both God and Lord. This was to liberate them from bondage, to fulfill the promises made, and to bestow upon them the promised land—a treasure trove of blessings, yielding abundant fruit to its inhabitants, of which some might rightly declare it superior to all the earth and refer to it as honeycomb, for it was said, “the honeycomb is sweeter than all the earth,” being filled with honey.